You’re all well-aware that I’m a die-hard sports fan by now, right? That’s why today is one of my favorite Mondays of the year – it’s the day that a new NCAA College will be awarded the title of NCAA Football National Champion.
It might not be a national holiday, but I’m all for it, and I feel like the state of Alabama would agree!
Two years ago, the NCAA implemented a four-team playoff for the National Title. This year’s four teams (in case you’re just getting caught up now) were: Alabama, Clemson, Michigan State, and Oklahoma. Tonight’s National Championship game is between my beloved Alabama, the current #2 team in the league, and the reigning #1 team, Clemson University.
I like to hope that my enthusiasm for sports is contagious, even if everyone I know doesn’t fully get it, so I’m here to fill you in with some crash course facts. This way, you’ll have something to talk about even if you’re just at the party for the beer and snacks.
Did You Know…
- Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is an alumnus of Alabama? He played on Alabama’s 1992 National Championship Team, and now coaches his team against them.
- This marks the first time the two teams have played since 2008, when Alabama beat Clemson 34-10.
- In the last six years, Alabama has won three National Championships – no pressure, Clemson!
- Alabama has won 15 National Titles, Clemson, only one – in 1981.
Today may not be a national holiday, but it is a Mary holiday. I’ve been planning for this day for quite some time, and I’ve already scheduled myself a day off tomorrow. I’ll need it to sleep in and rest my sore throat after I’ve been up all night cheering my favorite team on!
What? You forgot to take the day off too? Don’t worry. If the football spirit grabs you, and you find yourself too tired and achy to make it into work tomorrow, I have your back.
I knew that list of crazy reasons to call in sick would come in handy someday…
Happy Monday (and Roll Tide!),
~Mary
